Political Correctness Run Amok

How ridiculous can political correctness get? How about telling a toddler who doesn't like spicy food that he is a racist?

The Telegraph, a publication out of England, reported that a British government agency is so committed to abolishing racism that it has issued guidelines to pre-school teachers and child care providers. According to the story:

The guide goes on to warn that children might also "react negatively to a culinary tradition other than their own by saying 'yuk.'"

Staff are told: "No racist incident should be ignored. When there is a clear racist incident, it is necessary to be specific in condemning the action."

Even babies cannot be ignored, reports the Telegraph, because they can “recognize different people in their lives.”

I'm not sure how “condemning the action” of preschoolers who are picky eaters is good for their self-esteem or how it could possibly bring about a good result. As the mother of two former picky eaters, I know that is a losing battle. Thank God my kids aren't preschoolers in England.

The story factually reports some of the guidelines in the 366-page guide that the National Children's Bureau is foisting on early childhood educators and caregivers. However, it fails to quote or refer to any sources who believe the policy may inflict more harm than good.

Surely there is some reputable, sane child care expert in England who thinks this idea is the ultimate example of political correctness run amok. The reporter should have consulted some experts for feedback into what benefits and harm can be done by such overreaching by government. A government agency that puts children in the crosshairs in the name of political correctness deserves an in-depth investigation.

Kristen Fyfe is senior writer at the Culture and Media Institute, a division of the MediaResearchCenter.

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